January 5

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19:8 (NIV)

We are so glad that God has given us a revelation of Himself in the Bible. God has also made clear to us how we should live here in this world if we want to be like Him. Our verse today tells us that God will give us joy in our hearts if we pay attention to His teachings in the Bible. And this joy will not be hidden in our hearts, it will show in our eyes because that is what true joy does. So when we read our Bible or when we hear someone teach it to us let us be sure we pay attention to what God tells us and respond to it. That will bring joy and it’s a joy that will be evident to others. 

October 20

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19:8 (NIV)

At first glance one might wonder why the psalmist described the commands of the Lord as radiant. The word “pure” would be a good word too. I believe that the explanation is found in other words in the verse. When we read or hear God’s teachings they do produce joy in our hearts. And how does this joy become visible? When someone is joyful doesn’t it show in the eyes? So God’s Word gives us joy in our hearts and it shows in our eyes. As the verse says, “it gives light to the eyes.” Where does the light come from? It comes from God’s pure word which shines with radiance.